To become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), candidates must pass a certification exam from Prometric, with different certifications available. Exams are conducted in multiple languages, and there is a fee for each exam. MCPs must keep their certification current by acquiring continuing education.
A Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) is a person recognized by Microsoft as an expert in a specific Microsoft product or technology. To acquire the MCP credential, a candidate must pass the applicable certification exam given by a company called Prometric. Several different certifications are available, including Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCAD), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST).
Prometric has testing locations in many different countries, and exam appointments can be scheduled on the Prometric website. Exams must be taken at a certified Prometric testing center; certification cannot be obtained over the internet. Exams are conducted in multiple languages and certified test centers can be found at private companies and local colleges if an Official Prometric Test Center is not available in a specific area. There is a fee for taking each of the different certification exams.
Each type of MCP certification has specific requirements, but most involve a minimum of two or more core exams, plus one or more elective exams. Preparation guides can be found on the Microsoft website. While candidates for each certification type usually have several months of professional experience in the technology they will be tested for, there is no experience scheduling a test. Obviously, the likelihood of passing the extensive certification exams greatly increases with gaining working knowledge of each technology on the job.
The exam format now includes simulation technology that allows candidates to prove knowledge by demonstrating the real-life application of different technologies. In addition to the general experience and reading the preparation guides accessible on the Microsoft website, candidates can also utilize Microsoft’s e-learning or classroom training. It’s best to check the exam requirements in advance. While the core exams cover all the core material, candidates have the option to select from several elective exams for most certification types, so advanced knowledge allows a candidate to practice specific skills.
Once an MCP credential is obtained, it is important to keep it current. Technological advances require professionals to acquire continuing education to stay abreast of changes that may impact the technologies used by professionals and their clients. When Microsoft updates technologies, people with an MCP credential can often skip some of the new tests required when an old exam is retired, but they will have to pass the exams that cover new information to keep their certification current.
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